In a striking artistic evolution, Ikonika, the producer and songwriter born Sara Chen, has completely reinvented her sound with the new album 'Sad'. For the first time in her career, Chen places her own vocals at the forefront, emerging as a charismatic and haunting pop presence on the esteemed Hyperdub label.
From Dancefloors to Pop Ambition
Ikonika is no newcomer to the electronic music landscape. Having been signed to Hyperdub for nearly 20 years, her reputation was built on muscular, sprightly releases like 2020's 'Your Body' and 2018's 'The Library Album'. These works cemented her status as a brash and warm-spirited producer dedicated to the dancefloor. Yet, 'Sad' possesses the energy of a debut, marking a significant departure from her established sound.
A New Sonic Palette and Lyrical Depth
The album sees Chen weaving seductive and steely lyrics with production that draws from bass music and South African amapiano. Tracks like the nervy, hypnotic 'Whatchureallywant' showcase her commanding a new space, while others such as 'Listen to Your Heart' reveal a warm R&B vocalist. Her Egyptian heritage informs the soundscape on songs like 'Sense Seeker' and 'Gone', which incorporate influences from northern and southern Africa.
Lyrically, Chen pushes past the 'party starter' persona into more complex territory, exploring themes of safety and care. She often repeats lyrics like mantras—'Feel it now, feel your love' on 'Sense Seeker'; 'Is it illogical? Is it impossible?' on 'Take Control'—creating an intimate listening experience akin to reading a personal journal. The album's mission statement is clear from the outset: 'Are you even listening? Listen to your heart.'
A Convincing Embrace of Pop
This vocal-led new direction is a definitive hit for the Hyperdub veteran. 'Sad' successfully announces Ikonika's entry into the world of pop without sacrificing the intricate production complexity that originally made her name. It is a brave and convincing transformation that redefines her two-decade-long career, proving her artistry is more dynamic than ever.
